#9. Azores to Ireland | Day 2

June 19, 2024 | 19:30 UTC

As we left the harbor we had to make the decision to either turn East or West. From the weather forecast, heading West saw us sailing upwind in a light breeze for 24 hours then motoring for a while as we would pass through the center of the high before sailing on a broad reach as we would enter the western sector of the high and starting to sail downwind. East would mean 3 days of upwind sailing in a fresh breeze with the accompanying sea state, before the wind would swing SW on Friday. We all agreed that 3 days upwind was disagreeable and West it was.

So far the forecast has been spot on. We had a very pleasant sail to start with: 12 knots true on a flattish sea with just a 15 degree heel. This afternoon we started motoring, but should find wind again later tonight. This gave everyone time to find their sea legs and to get used to helming and sailing on Falken. Once the South Westerly wind fills in we should have a fast and fun run almost all the way to Ireland.

On a different note, we saw an incredible amount of wild life already: from birds to several whales (one right next to the boat) to dolphins and big game fish jumping.

So far it has been a very enjoyable trip.

Fair winds and a following sea,

- Chris